B2-Recycling

In a stable community, the removal of materials is balanced by the return of materials, so materials are constantly being recycled. When animals and plants grow, they take in elements from the soil which are incorporated into their bodies. When animals dies and decay, these mineral elements are released and can be taken up by other living organisms to allow them to grow.

Carbon and Nitrogen are two recycled elements.

In waterlogged or acidic soils, the recycling of nutrients takes longer. This is because waterlogged soil lacks oxygen for decomposers, and acidic soils are not the best pH for decomposers.

The Carbon Cycle

1.Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by green plants for photosynthesis.

3. Soil, bacteria and fungi feed on the dead plants and animals causing them to decay and release carbon dioxide into the air. The microorganisms respire as they feed passing carbon compounds along the food chain. This decay process makes elements available again to living organisms.